For how long should leads be maintained in the working tickler?

The correct duration for maintaining leads in the working tickler is four months. This timeframe allows recruiters adequate time to follow up with and nurture leads, ensuring that potential recruits are given the attention necessary to guide them through the recruitment process.

By keeping leads for four months, recruiters can monitor changes in circumstances that may influence a lead's decision, such as the completion of education, changes in employment status, or the resolution of personal obligations that might have initially precluded enlistment.

Maintaining leads for a shorter duration, such as two or three months, may not provide sufficient time for follow-up and could result in missed opportunities to engage with potential recruits who may still be considering their options. On the other hand, keeping leads for six months may lead to inefficiencies, as they could become stale or irrelevant after a prolonged period without active engagement.

The four-month period strikes a balance between providing enough time for meaningful follow-up while preventing the database from becoming cluttered with outdated leads.